Man Fatally Stabbed During Shoplifting Incident in Times Square CVS

A man suffering from mental health issues verbally threatened others before being fatally stabbed by a CVS employee in Times Square, as jurors heard during the trial this week.

Witnesses recounted the violent scene that unfolded when Charles Brito, a 50-year-old homeless man, entered the store at Broadway and West 49th Street in July 2023. Brito, apparently agitated, shouted, “I can kill y’all, I can kill everybody,” according to court testimony from a CVS manager-in-training present at the time.

Shortly after making these threats, Brito aggressively punched Enoe, a former CVS worker, who sustained injuries during the altercation. Another witness described Brito swinging his elbows near two female employees, attempting to open another cooler, while threats of violence continued.

Enoe, 48, testified that he returned to confront Brito after the punches and threats. During the confrontation, Brito was unarmed but became aggressive, prompting Enoe to claim self-defense. Prosecutors allege that Enoe then used a folding knife to stab Brito eight times, including twice in the liver. Brito staggered outside the store, bleeding heavily, and later died from his wounds.

Witnesses described Brito’s unpredictable behavior, which included making additional threats and fighting with store employees. Eyewitnesses also noted Brito was not armed but remained highly aggressive during the incident.

Enoe’s attorney argued that the stabbing was a last resort after Brito’s violent behavior, including hitting him against cooler doors. A security guard testified that safety protocols advise employees only to observe and report, not to physically engage with shoplifters, and confirmed he did not carry weapons.

Enoe faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted of manslaughter. Jurors are expected to deliberate, with the possibility of acquittal if they determine that Enoe’s actions were reasonable under the circumstances.